Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
This is a song list featuring hit and classic tracks by female singer-songwriters from the 1990s.
The 1990s were the era in Japan when music and CDs sold the most, with million-selling records coming one after another.
Alongside massive hits, many highly musical works were also produced that satisfied even dedicated music fans.
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1990s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (71–80)
Midwinter MemoriesMatsu Takako78rank/position
This classic winter song, which emerged in the late ’90s, was released in November 1997 as actress-singer Takako Matsu’s fourth single.
Its lyrics delicately depict changes in relationships and a gentle nostalgia for the past, leaving a strong impression.
Even amid busy days, it’s a warm piece that reminds us of the bonds we share with those dear to us.
Despite having no commercial tie-in, its debut performance at the FNS Music Festival remains fresh in our memories.
Matsu’s clear, translucent vocals and the tender melody make this a song that warms the heart in the cold season.
It may be the perfect track for creating winter memories with someone special.
A Merry Christmas to the you I’d almost forgottenMatsutōya Yumi79rank/position
Among Christmas songs born in the ’90s, this track by Yumi Matsutoya is known as a masterpiece that portrays a bittersweet longing for love.
Included on the album “Cowgirl Dreamin’,” released in February 1997, it centers on spending Christmas Eve alone.
The lyrics are memorable for their delicate depiction of a rain-soaked cityscape and fleeting memories of past love that resurface for just a moment.
Through the special, almost magical time of Christmas, the song gently sings of feelings for a precious person that were nearly forgotten.
It’s a moving piece for those who have experienced heartbreak or have been separated from someone important.
A song you’ll want to listen to quietly, alone, on Christmas night.
Come, spring.Matsutoya Yumi80rank/position
A ballad that has long been cherished as a classic befitting graduation and season-of-departure moments.
Sung by Yumi Matsutoya, this song stirs the heart the instant the piano introduction begins to flow.
Its beautiful Japanese lyrics, imbued with a sense of “wa” (Japanese harmony), vividly capture the earnest longing for spring.
Released as a single in October 1994, it became widely known as the theme song for the NHK morning drama of the same name.
It was included on the subsequent album THE DANCING SUN and even appeared on the following year’s year-end charts, cementing its status as a cross-generational standard.
Interweaving the sorrow of parting with hope for the future, it’s perfect for occasions when you want to reminisce—like karaoke at a reunion after a long time apart.
Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026] (81–90)
An afternoon offMoritaka Chisato81rank/position
This piece is a gentle number with a theme of a casually spent holiday afternoon, one that quietly soaks into the heart.
The affection for everyday life expressed over a mellow folk-pop sound leaves you with a warm feeling as you listen.
The relaxed vocals suit the soft sunlight of autumn perfectly.
Released in October 1995 as the 26th single, it was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “Ii Tabi, Yume Kibun.” It’s an ideal song for when you want to spend some leisurely time.
Wish Upon a StarMoritaka Chisato82rank/position
An autumn night sky and constellations painted with delicate sensitivity.
Chisato Moritaka’s 1997 song “Hoshi ni Negai wo” (“Wish Upon a Star”) centers on the theme of a starry sky seen from the rooftop of a city building.
Included on the album PEACHBERRY, the song gently portrays the soothing feeling that comes from gazing up at the night sky.
The lyrics are striking as they search for constellations and ponder the heroes of Greek mythology.
Time spent simply staring at the stars, letting the night breeze wash over you, will surely calm anyone’s heart.
When you want to step away from the noise of everyday life, why not give this track a listen?
Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo83rank/position
Even looking back now, among songs like the debut track “Koufukuron (Theories of Happiness)” and “Kabukichō no Joō (Queen of Kabukichō),” which made Ringo Sheena a hot topic among music fans as a maverick singer-songwriter, the song that first brought her name to wider public attention was surely “Koko de Kiss Shite.” With a band ensemble that reflects the influence of alternative rock, lyrics that freely weave between English lines and Japanese lines imbued with literary sensibility, and a voice that’s instantly recognizable, plus a melody with real pop appeal, there was no way this song wouldn’t be a hit.
The protagonist of the song feels very much like Sheena herself, and in the music video—where she’s bound from neck to chest with rope and fiercely plays a Duesenberg guitar—legions of women and men alike found themselves captivated.
The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo84rank/position
Compared to Shiina Ringo’s later work and songs, her debut track leaves quite a different impression.
Even so, this “Fortune Theory” is also one of her popular songs.
The lyrics were written based on her own romantic experiences.
And the distinctive direction of the promotional video likewise showcases her extraordinary talent.